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Paramus Today
By the People, for the People
Bergen County Singer Jake Thistle to Appear on 'American Idol'
The Paramus High School graduate will audition for the show's judges in hopes of becoming the next 'American Idol'.
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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Bergen County native Jake Thistle, who graduated from Paramus High School in 2022 and has released two singles since then, will appear on the upcoming season of 'American Idol'. Thistle will audition in front of judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood in hopes of becoming the next 'American Idol'.
Why it matters
Appearing on 'American Idol' could provide a major career boost for the up-and-coming singer-songwriter, who has already performed with established acts like the Heartbreakers, John Hiatt, Earl Slick, and Jim Keltner. The exposure from the show could help Thistle gain a wider fanbase and open doors to more high-profile opportunities in the music industry.
The details
Thistle, who graduated from Paramus High School in 2022 and recently earned his degree from Rutgers, has been performing since the age of 10. He has released two singles so far and has been featured on CBS News, Billboard, BBC Radio, and other media outlets. In addition to his music career, Thistle is also involved in raising money for charities like the American Cancer Society, WhyHunger, and Tazzy Fund/Rock the Dogs.
- Thistle announced on social media last month that he'd be part of the upcoming season of 'American Idol'.
- The first episode featuring Thistle will air on February 16, 2026.
The players
Jake Thistle
A singer-songwriter from Bergen County, New Jersey who graduated from Paramus High School in 2022 and recently earned his degree from Rutgers University. Thistle has been performing since the age of 10 and has released two singles.
Lionel Richie
One of the judges on 'American Idol'.
Luke Bryan
One of the judges on 'American Idol'.
Carrie Underwood
One of the judges on 'American Idol'.
What’s next
Thistle will audition in front of the 'American Idol' judges on February 16, 2026 in hopes of advancing in the competition.
The takeaway
Jake Thistle's appearance on 'American Idol' represents a major opportunity for the up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Bergen County to showcase his talents on a national stage and potentially jumpstart his music career.
